New legislation meant to create more a harmonious and safe work environment for you takes effect Thursday.
Bill 132 is part of an 18-month effort by the provincial government to stamp out the sexual violence and harassment that the Premier described in March 2015 as "shockingly prevalent".
Under the workplace new rules:
- Employers must lay out who would lead an investigation if a complainant's alleged harasser is their supervisor or owner of the company
- Employers must explain how confidentiality will be maintained during an investigation of a claim
- Employers must investigate claims of harassment and each probe should be "appropriate in the circumstances"
- Employers must provide to the complainant and alleged harasser a written version of the findings of their investigation and go-forward steps
- Sexual harassment has been formally added to the definition of workplace harassment
- Employers must review their workplace harassment policy at least once a year
- The Ministry of Labour can force an employer to hire a third party to investigate a harassment claim
Away from work, another measure meant to help victims of abuse or violence get to safety takes effect today. Survivors can now break a lease with 28 days’ notice rather than the standard 60-days provided they have supporting documentation, like a peace bond, restraining order or signed statement explaining the abuse.